Tax Insights Survey | June 2025

In the May 2025 Tax Insights survey, we asked Australian businesses Which of Australia’s key growth sectors do you believe presents the greatest opportunity for targeted tax reform or incentives?

As part of our ongoing effort to track sentiment around tax policy and economic opportunity, we asked Australians which growth sector they believe is most deserving of targeted tax reform or incentives in future Federal Budgets.

Manufacturing and mining top the list for tax reform potential

Survey results revealed a tie between two of Australia’s most historically significant and economically influential sectors:

33.3%: Manufacturing
33.3%: Mining
16.6%: Construction
16.6%: Healthcare & Social Assistance

What do these results tell us?

The equal support for manufacturing and mining suggests that Australians see opportunity in bolstering these capital-intensive, export-oriented industries through targeted tax incentives — potentially to stimulate investment, drive innovation, and secure long-term national competitiveness.

Meanwhile, construction and healthcare — both critical to economic infrastructure and community wellbeing — received less backing, though still notable levels of support. This may reflect broader expectations that these sectors will continue to be supported by government spending and policy attention in other ways.

Why sector-based tax reform matters

Targeted tax incentives can play a vital role in shaping Australia’s future economy — from fuelling job creation to encouraging sustainability and regional growth. But with limited fiscal space, the government must be strategic about where these measures are directed.

At RSM, we understand the importance of aligning tax policy with industry opportunity. Our experts work closely with businesses across all key sectors to help them access available incentives, optimise their tax position, and contribute to Australia’s evolving economic landscape.